生徒諸君！ (1980)

A television drama adaptation of the popular shōjo manga of the same name by Yōko Shōji. This coming-of-age comedy centres on Naoko Kitashiro—known as ‘Nacky’—a lively young girl who has moved to Tokyo from the countryside, and depicts the slapstick antics that unfold within her school. The role of the protagonist, Nacky, was played by Mie Ueda, who secured the lead role after winning an audition attended by over 18,000 people. Although she had virtually no acting experience, she brought the tomboyish heroine to life with brightness and energy, living up to the expectations placed on her following this major breakthrough. This was Yuki Matsumura’s directorial debut. The series comprises 28 episodes.